2023-12-17 18:48:22
Protecting the necks of hockey players is a subject that has tragically become topical, but that does not prevent rash actions from being committed. Former National Hockey League (NHL) forward Martin Frk has landed himself in hot water.
On December 8, in a Swiss National League match between the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers and Lausanne HC, the 30-year-old Czech almost caused a terrifying injury to an opponent.
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After being pinned against his team’s bench by Lawrence Pilut, Frk swung his legs to push back his attacker, except that the blade of his skate came dangerously close to his rival’s neck.
Pilut, who played last season with the Buffalo Sabres, immediately put his hands to his face, but fortunately he was not injured.
On Friday, the league announced that it had suspended Frk for five games and he will also have to pay a fine of 7,660 Swiss francs (11,810 Canadian dollars).
This incident is reminiscent of that involving Adam Johnson in England, the player having been fatally cut by Matt Petgrave’s skate blade during a game in October.
Known for his heavy slap shot, Frk played 124 games in the NHL between 2016 and 2022. This is a first season in Switzerland for the former Halifax Mooseheads color wearer.
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